Movie lovers left speechless at shocking Animal Farm adaptation: ‘This is absurd’

A trailer for a new adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel, Animal Farm, has already been dubbed ‘absolutely horrific’.

The animated movie from Andy Serkis features an all-star cast, including Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson, and Kieran Culkin, to portray this twisted political cautionary tale (or, as they put it, a cautionary tail).

First released in 1945, the novel follows a group of animals who overthrow the human farmers and establish their own society led by pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, which ultimately fails after lust for power corrupts the movement.

The upcoming adaptation is produced by faith-based Utah production company Angel Studios, which was also behind the controversial 2023 movie, Sound of Freedom.

In the fresh take on one of the best-known novels of the 20th century, the trailer shows a modern animated comedy aimed at children, packed with slapstick gags and lighthearted dialogue.

All in all, the first impression of this highly anticipated movie has left a bad taste in people’s mouths, with some accusing it of ‘missing the point of the novel’, while others have critiqued its ‘absurd’ aesthetic and tone.

‘I’m going to really f***ng hope that this goofy ass trailer is purposefully meant to be misleading bc Animal Farm is not supposed to be like this at alllll,’ steamycoffee23 wrote on X.

‘The entire tone of the trailer is so over the top and at odds with the source material that it feels like a parody you’d see on the critic,’ Miss Gender reflected.

Newsyohio dubbed it ‘absolutely horrific’ while Kobra questioned, ‘what is the point of turning it into an unfunny 3D animation slop for kids?’.

Fierce debate also raged among viewers over whether this version was an accurate portrayal of the anti-authoritarianism themes in the book.

The novel offers a scathing critique of class inequality, power and totalitarianism against the backdrop of the 1917 Russian Revolution.

‘It’s not often that something leaves me literally speechless,’ David Hering noted while animated antic declared ‘this looks absurd’.

As put by Christoph: ‘There have been many bad adaptations of great literature, but this looks like it could be the worst.’

Still, there are those defending the movie. As Calamity argued: ‘The point of Animal Farm is incredibly simple, and they’ve probably got that down. What they’re missing is the tone,’ while others are ready to give the full movie a fighting chance.

Discussing the decision to bring Orwell’s Animal Farm to life, the Lord of the Rings star said: ‘Orwell’s Animal Farm has never felt more relevant. In an age where power, propaganda, and inequality shape our societies, it’s vital that we remember his cautionary tale.

‘This adaptation isn’t just a story for entertainment – it’s a reminder that democracy, freedom, and integrity are fragile, and must be watched over.’

He added that he hopes audiences will be ‘ inspired to stand up for the values that matter’.

Meanwhile, Brandon Purdie, executive vice president of theatrical and brand development at Angel, said he is ‘confident that moviegoers will see not just a story of farm animals, but a mirror held up to our world today.’

There have previously been two adaptations of the Orwell fable.

It first landed on big screens in 1954 as the first-ever British animated feature to get a theatrical release, and was partly funded by the CIA.

There was also a live-action remake featuring the voices of Patrick Stewart, Kelsey Grammar and Pete Postlethwaite, which came out to mixed reviews in 1999.

Animal Farm will come out in the US on May 1, 2026. There is currently no UK release date.

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